Fire started by crimped power cord

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - An electrical cord is being blamed for a fire that caused what officials believe to be irreparable damage to a house in western PEI.

There was no one in the O'Leary home at the time the fire started. It was called in by a neighbour at about 2:30 p.m.

Deputy fire marshal Dave Rossiter believes the cord was crimped from being jammed between the appliance and the wall, which caused it to fray.

"The only thing we'd probably make comment on is for people to watch where their electrical cords are, to make sure they're not crimped or pinched or jammed up against an appliance or something like that," Rossiter told CBC News.

"It might not happen right away, but over time it could create a problem and possible fire situation, as what happened in this particular case. Especially when you have an item like that that has a constant electrical draw all the time."

The fire started where there were stairwells leading both upstairs and down into the basement, allowing the fire to spread throughout the house.

Rossiter said the damage was extensive. He doesn't believe the house can be repaired, but added that will be up to the insurance company to decide.